Saudi arabia's digital experience maturity rises to 87%

During LEAP 2026, the Digital Government Authority (DGA) announced the results of Saudi Arabia's Digital Experience Maturity Index for 2026, which achieved an "Advanced" maturity level with a score of 87.06%. The announcement was made by DGA Governor Eng. Ahmed bin Mohammed Alsuwaiyan in Riyadh. The comprehensive assessment evaluated 59 digital platforms, an increase from the 50 platforms assessed in 2025. The evaluation process was rooted in four primary perspectives designed to measure effectiveness and user satisfaction comprehensively. These pillars included beneficiary satisfaction, user experience, complaints handling, and the underlying technologies and tools driving the platforms. Over 805,500 people participated in the "Evaluate Your Digital Experience" survey, a significant increase from 374,000 the previous year. The expanded scope of the survey allows for a granular understanding of user behavior and preferences, providing the DGA with a dataset to identify areas requiring attention within the public sector. The results of the 2026 index highlight the progression in how citizens and residents interact with public platforms. The assessment methodology ensures that the maturity index reflects technological adoption and the quality of service experienced by end-users. The surge in survey participation indicates public interest and reliance on digital channels for government interactions. By establishing benchmarks, the DGA aims to ensure that public services remain responsive and accessible. The integration of platforms into the evaluation process requires ongoing investment in technology and user-centric design to maintain current maturity levels. The DGA's focus on expanding evaluation criteria and increasing public participation in future surveys will be critical in identifying areas for enhancement. Addressing challenges such as cybersecurity threats and data privacy concerns will be essential in maintaining public trust and ensuring the long-term success of the digital transformation agenda. Among the 59 platforms evaluated, the Absher platform topped the rankings with a score of 94.38%. This ranking reflects Absher's role in facilitating essential government services for citizens and expatriates. Closely following was Etimad , which secured the second position with a score of 94.36%. The performance of these platforms indicates reliability and user satisfaction in key administrative and financial service areas. Other notable platforms that demonstrated maturity included Senaei (92.83%), Balady (92.56%), and Tawakkalna (92.50%). The performance of these core platforms demonstrates the effectiveness of investment in digital capabilities and user experience optimization. By prioritizing interactions and navigation, these platforms have set a standard for digital service delivery. The evaluation process for the digital experience measured effectiveness and user satisfaction. The four primary perspectives—beneficiary satisfaction, user experience, complaints handling, and technologies and tools—provided a comprehensive overview of the digital landscape. The increase in the number of evaluated platforms from 50 to 59 demonstrates an expanding scope of digital governance and service delivery. The results emphasize the focus on user-centric design and the continuous refinement of digital interfaces to meet the evolving needs of the population. The data collected from the "Evaluate Your Digital Experience" survey provides insights into user preferences and pain points, enabling targeted interventions to enhance the overall digital ecosystem. The DGA's commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in the rigorous assessment methodology and the expanding scope of the index. A component of the maturity index is the Digital Inclusion sub-index, which measures the accessibility of digital services for all segments of society. In the 2026 assessment, this sub-index achieved a score of 76.98%, placing it at the "Empowered" level. This achievement reflects targeted efforts by the DGA and other government bodies to design services that accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. Ensuring digital inclusion is a fundamental aspect of the broader digital transformation strategy, aiming to leave no citizen behind as services increasingly migrate online. The focus on accessibility aligns with global best practices and highlights a commitment to equitable service delivery. By implementing inclusive design principles and conducting rigorous accessibility testing, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all individuals can participate in the digital economy. The rise in the Digital Experience Maturity Index 2026 aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 . The strategic framework emphasizes the development of a vibrant society and an ambitious nation, with digital transformation serving as a key enabler. By improving the digital experience, Saudi A